After very public ceremonies and instant support, Gordon's family returned home to cope by themselves. But his fellow firefighters have to find a new on-the-job normal without him.

"We're getting through some very tough days," Local 48 Union President Matt Alter said.

Only hours after Gordon was laid to rest, the truck he drove returned from making a fire run. His brothers in blue, still in their dress shirts, pulled on their protective gear. 911 calls didn't pause for grieving.

"This is my job. This is our job. This is what we do day in and day out. But this is tough for the family, so it's unimaginable what the family is going through," Alter said.

He was with Gordon's family for most of the day Wednesday.

"Certainly, seeing Mrs. Gordon and Daryl's daughters’ strength, it helps us get through this," Alter said.

The firefighting brotherhood will return the favor in the days and weeks to come, when ceremony and public tribute becomes a long road of personal loss.

"It's going to be the first child, the grandchild, graduating from college, walking down the aisle: Those are going to be some of the toughest days, and we're going to be sure that we do everything we can to be there with the family in those tough times," Alter said.

At Engine 14, where Gordon worked, firefighters welcome visitors.

"Stop by the firehouse. See how the firefighters are doing," Alter said.

They'll honor their fallen brother by picking up where he left off.

"We're going to get through it. The guys are going to start to laugh again. They're going to get that firehouse camaraderie back, and it's already there. And it's because that's what Daryl would want. That's what Daryl was," Alter said.

Firefighters will wear black bands over their badges as a sign of mourning until 30 days have passed since Gordon's death.